I recently had to install a SQL Server 2008 R2 failover cluster on Windows Server 2012 R2. Some of you may be wondering if this is actually supported. A quick look at the hardware and software requirements for SQL Server 2008 R2 indicates that it is indeed supported.

With that, here are three things you should be aware of when doing this:

1.  When installing the Failover Clustering feature on the server, you must also install the “Failover Cluster Automation Server” feature, which is found under Remote Server Administration Tools (RSAT).  If you do not you’ll see a “Cluster service verification error" during the rules check. You can also install this feature via Server Manager or by using the following PowerShell command

InstallWindowsFeature -Name RSAT-Clustering-AutomationServer

2.  You will need to slipstream the latest SQL Server 2008 R2 service pack with the installation media.  Follow the instructions at https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/kb/955392 (I used Procedure 1: Basic slipstream steps)

3.  There seems to be a bug in the SQL Server 2008 setup that does not present the option to use service SID’s on Windows Server 2012 R2.  To work around this, don’t enter anything and continue with setup by hitting Next.  For more information see https://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ms179530(v=sql.105).aspx